It’s still about going to the next level, after all.
That is what Gilas Pilipinas 5.0 stalwarts Carl Cruz and Jonathan Grey confirmed, when asked what their plans would be after their stint with the national squad in the FIBA Asia Challenge Cup 2016.
Both Cruz and Grey have declared themselves eligible for the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft over a couple of months ago, when the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup was going midway.
Cruz, an FEU alumnus and a two-time UAAP silver medalist, does not have any doubts and will strongly pursue his dreams of making it into the PBA.
“Going for the Draft na ko this October 30,” said the 6’5″ stretch four, who last played for the Cafe France Bakers in this year’s Foundation Cup in which they finished as bronze medalists.
When asked if he can still make his services available for Team Pilipinas if ever he breaks into the pro league, Cruz is worried about such instance, saying that he would want to commit to where he will be in the future.
“’Yun lang. Feeling ko magco-conflict. Siyempre alam mo naman ‘pag PBA, committed ka.
“So mahihirapan talaga ako. Mas pipiliin ko kung saan ako nag-commit,” said the 2016 Foundation Cup MVP candidate.
The 6’1″ winger out of the College of Saint Benilde, on the other hand, also has his sights set for the annual Rookie Draft.
“Sa ngayon, tutuloy ako kasi ayun ang plano talaga eh. Baka after nitong Iran, tumuloy din ako sa Draft,” said Grey.
But in contrast to his teammate, the former Racal Tile Masters’ leading scorer still wants to be part of Gilas Pilipinas even if he will be signed by a PBA franchise, which is just within his grasp.
“Anytime.”
“Basta kailangan nila, kung matuloy man ako [sa Draft], I’ll be ready. Sobrang babait ng lahat ng mga nandito sa Gilas community. So anytime basta puwedeng-puwede,” the 23 year old added.
The 2016 PBA Rookie Draft is set on October 31. But for now, both aspirants have their targets locked in for the FIBA Asia Challenge Cup 2016 this September.
